This new year is bringing some changes at Huntsville’s First Stop, which has long provided essential services to homeless people in the city, and around Madison County. Executive Director Clete Wetli told our Shane Scott his organization is refocusing its efforts on work skills and job creation, while handing off some tasks it’s long handled for the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. Wetli wants ventures at First Stop’s Stokes Street facility, which he calls ‘micro-enterprises,’ to provide opportunities for clients to work – while making them better prepared for full employment elsewhere. Another change already benefitting First Stop is the new design of its website, provided by artist Elizabeth Dawson.

Lobsterfest is St. Thomas Church’s annual community event that raises money for local and international charities. All profits go to charity. We cook a lot of lobsters, ribs, BBQ and brisket for eating in or taking out. While you are here visit local artisans, our silent auction, kids games, buy desserts and more!

First Stop, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the number of homeless people in Madison County, Alabama, is pleased to announce that on Monday, April 27, 2015 at 10 a.m. at 206 Stokes Street in Huntsville, Mayor Tommy Battle will cut the ribbon to mark the grand opening of First Stop’s Green House Project, a community garden built and run by the homeless.

Recently, Publix partnered with First Stop by donating supplies and volunteer labor to finish the project as part of Publix Serves Day on April 17, 2015. The project includes a green house, raised beds and tilled land to grow a variety of fruits and vegetables to help feed the homeless.

First Stop Executive Director Clete Wetli said, “The Green House Project is a wonderful way to help empower the homeless in our community by helping them develop marketable skills and to learn new ways to achieve self-sufficiency. We are grateful to have Publix as an involved and committed Community Partner. The City of Huntsville and Mayor Battle have long supported First Stop’s efforts and we are excited that the Mayor will join us for the launching of this project. This is truly something that our community can be proud of.”

The event will be attended by representatives of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Huntsville, the United Way and other civic organizations.

We are so excited to announce that Publix has joined First Stop as a community partner to complete The Greenhouse Project! Publix Super Markets associates are celebrating the company’s 85th anniversary this year by giving back to the communities in which they live and work.

Publix founder George Jenkins was a giving person and believed in supporting the community. “Giving back is a part of the Publix culture and mission statement of being involved as responsible citizens in our communities, “said Brenda Reid, Media and Community Relations Manager for Publix’s Atlanta Division.

First Stop Executive Director Clete Wetli said, “The Greenhouse Project is a wonderful way to help empower the homeless in our community by helping them develop marketable skills and to learn new ways to achieve self-sufficiency. We are grateful to have Publix as an involved and committed Community Partner. We especially thank Publix Bailey Cove Store Manager Bill Waring for his hard work in making this partnership possible and for his incomparable skill with post-hole diggers!”